Potential Impact Research Articles

An integrative framework to driver innovation among dairy actors

Objective of the study: We aim to propose, and test an integrative framework for actors’ orchestration in the dairy sector based on a data science perspective to drive innovation. Methodology/Approach: To achieve this aim, a systematic literature review and content analysis were conducted, then, an integrative framework was developed and empirically tested. Subsequently, incremental adjustments in the framework’s data structure were performed based on the interviews conducted through the focus group were taken into consideration. Increasing the framework assertiveness and adaptability in different contexts. Originality/Relevance: The article delves into the world of dairy production, focusing on the key players in the milk and its derivatives sector. It emphasizes the crucial role of data in driving innovation and value co-creation among these actors. By collecting and displaying the relevant data, each player can unlock new opportunities for growth and collaboration within the value chain. The data science principle forms the bedrock of this process, as it enables a deeper understanding of the data flow and facilitates effective information-sharing across the right value chain actors. Main results: A framework that encompasses key data that can be shared among actors, to foster information exchange and long-term relationships, promoting transparency in the process, which raises a sense of trustworthiness, responsibility, and innovation. Theoretical/Methodological contributions: The study involves the development of an integrative framework that is constructed based on insights gathered from the systematic literature review and content analysis. This framework serves as a comprehensive and cohesive structure for understanding the utilization of data flow to connect stakeholders in the dairy sector. It highlights the key elements necessary for successful actors' relationships and outlines the potential impact on value co-creation and the generation of valuable information. Empirical contributions are made through the testing and validation of this framework with a diverse range of stakeholders in the dairy sector. Through focus groups involving multiple players within the industry, valuable insights are gathered, and the framework is tested. The empirical findings validate the applicability and effectiveness of the framework, ensuring its practicality and relevance. Social/management contributions: The framework elevates the knowledge level about the dairy sector and its practices among stakeholders. It amplifies the potential for innovation within the sector, serves as a guiding tool that encourages stakeholders to explore new avenues for enhancing the customer experience. The social and management contributions are evident in its ability to empower stakeholders with knowledge, inspire innovation, and elevate the overall customer experience in the dairy sector.

Local Crime and Early Marriage: Evidence from India

This paper analyses whether living in a locality with high crime against women affects the probability of early marriage—that is, marriage before the legal age of marriage of girls. Using a nationally representative longitudinal data set and tackling the potential endogeneity of local crime rates, we find that perceived crime against women in the locality significantly increases the likelihood of early marriage of girls, while there is no such effect on boys of comparable age group. We also find no such effect of gender-neutral crimes (such as theft and robbery) on the likelihood of early marriage of girls. Moreover, we find that the relationship holds only in conservative households where the purdah system is practised, and also in the northern region of India, where patriarchal culture and gender norms are stronger than in the southern region. A sensitivity analysis assessing the potential impact of unobservable confounders suggests that our estimates are unlikely to be affected by omitted variable bias.

Potential Impact of Hypoxic Astrocytes on the Aggravation of Depressive Symptoms in Parkinson's Disease.

Mounting evidence suggests a significant correlation between depressive disorders and neurodegenerative conditions, encompassing Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease (PD). Depression represents a substantial non-motor manifestation frequently identified in individuals with PD, posing a significant threat to patients' overall well-being and necessitating the implementation of effective management strategies. Despite its high prevalence, impacting over 40% of PD patients, the precise cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying depression and its relationship to dopaminergic system degeneration remain largely ambiguous. In this study, we presented our findings demonstrating distinct characteristics of cortical astrocytes in PD patients compared to reactivated glial cells in the substantia nigra. We identified a subset of differentially expressed genes associated with depressive disorders from PD-associated cortical astrocytes. Furthermore, we uncovered the potential involvement of the hypoxia signaling in driving cortical astrocytic dysfunctions. Through a comprehensive investigation utilizing transcriptome and chromatin accessibility analyses on cultured human astrocytes, we revealed that hypoxic treatment could induce similar expression changes observed in cortex from PD patients. Additionally, we provided evidence that activation of the HIF-1 signaling pathway suppressed the expression of key components of mitochondrial ribosomes and electron transport chain proteins COX2 and CYTB, resulting in abnormal mitochondrial membrane potential. Our results underscore the potential impact of glial metabolic abnormalities on the development of depressive disorders associated with Parkinson's disease.

Interventional Oncology: 2024 Update.

Interventional Oncology (IO) stands at the forefront of transformative cancer care, leveraging advanced imaging technologies and innovative interventions. This narrative review explores recent developments within IO, highlighting its potential impact facilitated by artificial intelligence (AI), personalized medicine and imaging innovations. The integration of AI in IO holds promise for accelerating tumour detection and characterization, guiding treatment strategies and refining predictive models. Imaging modalities, including functional MRI, PET and cone beam CT are reshaping imaging and precision. Navigation, fusion imaging, augmented reality and robotics have the potential to revolutionize procedural guidance and offer unparalleled accuracy. New developments are observed in embolization and ablative therapies. The pivotal role of genomics in treatment planning, targeted therapies and biomarkers for treatment response prediction underscore the personalization of IO. Quality of life assessment, minimizing side effects and long-term survivorship care emphasize patient-centred outcomes after IO treatment. The evolving landscape of IO training programs, simulation technologies and workforce competence ensures the field's adaptability. Despite barriers to adoption, synergy between interventional radiologists' proficiency and technological advancements hold promise in cancer care.

Conflict, COVID-19, and crisis response: shifting from 'pivoting' to preparedness.

This paper assesses the extent to which the COVID-19 (Coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic directed the attention and resources of the international community away from peacebuilding, and the potential impact of this on conflict-affected environments. It draws from a global survey, interviews, and conversations with peacebuilding practitioners, publicly available information on peacebuilding funding, and real-time data on conflict events from the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project. The paper argues that resources and attention have 'pivoted' away from peacebuilding to tackle the threat presented by COVID-19, and that this can-but does not always-adversely affect conflict dynamics. It contends that this pivoting belies the interconnectedness of crises, leads to 'forgotten crises' and escalating threats, and exposes deficiencies in peacebuilding funding and, more broadly, preparedness and crisis response. Crises do, however, provide opportunities for reflection and change, including how to address these deficiencies and, in so doing, advance more efficient, effective, and ethical practice.

‘Angry and heartbroken for the failure of the system’

As the number of wrongful conviction media productions released to the public increases, an understanding of their potential impact on viewers is prudent. One such production, When They See Us, depicts the wrongful conviction of five racialized youth, and we investigated the effect of watching this specific wrongful conviction media production on a subset of Reddit users’ online conversations about wrongful convictions and the criminal justice system in general. Following an inductive content analysis of Reddit comments shared to r/WhenTheySeeUs (N = 461), seven coding categories were observed. The ‘Wrongful Conviction Relevant’ coding category was the third most frequently occurring, representing 28% of total comments. Additionally, after conducting a deeper thematic analysis of the ‘Wrongful Conviction Relevant’ comments, the following themes and subthemes were identified: Risk Factors (Individual Characteristics and System Factors), Exoneration and Beyond (Impacts on Exonerees and Changes to System), and the Innocence Movement (Unmet System Expectations and Public Awareness). Users’ ‘Wrongful Conviction Relevant’ comments were situated within the academic literature investigating wrongful conviction correlates, outcomes, and preventative measures, and discussed in relation to viewer reactions to other wrongful conviction media productions.

Impact of respiratory viral infections on nasopharyngeal pneumococcal colonization dynamics in children.

Prevention of acute respiratory illnesses (ARI) in children is a global health priority, as these remain a leading cause of pediatric morbidity and mortality throughout the world. As new products and strategies to prevent respiratory infections caused by important pathogens such as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), influenza, respiratory syncytial virus and pneumococcus are advancing, increasing evidence suggests that these and other respiratory viruses and pneumococci may exhibit interactions that are associated with altered colonization and disease dynamics. We aim to review recent data evaluating interactions between respiratory viruses and pneumococci in the upper respiratory tract and their potential impact on pneumococcal colonization patterns and disease outcomes. While interactions between influenza infection and subsequent increased susceptibility and transmissibility of colonizing pneumococci have been widely reported in the literature, emerging evidence suggests that human rhinovirus, SARS-CoV-2, and other viruses may also exhibit interactions with pneumococci and alter pneumococcal colonization patterns. Additionally, colonizing pneumococci may play a role in modifying outcomes associated with respiratory viral infections. Recent evidence suggests that vaccination with pneumococcal conjugate vaccines, and prevention of colonization with pneumococcal serotypes included in these vaccines, may be associated with reducing the risk of subsequent viral infection and the severity of the associated illnesses. Understanding the direction and dynamics of viral-pneumococcal interactions may elucidate the potential effects of existing and emerging viral and bacterial vaccines and other preventive strategies on the health impact of these important respiratory pathogens.

Empowering Multilingual Learners: A Translanguaging Approach to English Language Teaching at Kuwaiti Universities

Empowering Multilingual Learners: A Translanguaging Approach to English Language Teaching at Kuwaiti Universities

Revisiting microbial exopolysaccharides: a biocompatible and sustainable polymeric material for multifaceted biomedical applications.

Microbial exopolysaccharides (EPS) have gained significant attention as versatile biomolecules with multifarious applications across various sectors. This review explores the valorisation of EPS and its potential impact on diverse sectors, including food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and biotechnology. EPS, secreted by microorganisms, possess unique physicochemical properties, such as high molecular weight, water solubility, and biocompatibility, making them attractive for numerous functional roles. Additionally, EPS exhibit significant bioactivity, contributing to their potential use in pharmaceuticals for drug delivery and tissue engineering applications. Moreover, the eco-friendly and sustainable nature of microbial EPS production aligns with the growing demand for environmentally conscious processes. However, challenges still exist in large-scale production, purification, and regulatory approval for commercial use. Advances in bioprocessing and microbial engineering offer promising solutions to overcome these hurdles. Stringent investigations have concluded EPS as novel sources for sustainable applications that are likely to emerge and develop, further reinforcing the significance of these biopolymers in addressing contemporary societal needs and driving innovation in various industrial sectors. Overall, the microbial EPS represents a thriving field with immense potential for meeting diverse industrial demands and advancing sustainable technologies.

How Recommendation Affects Customer Search: A Field Experiment

The findings of this study have important implications for digital platform designers, managers, and regulators. First, the large-scale field experiment provides valuable insights into the relationship between product recommendation and consumer search under different scenarios. It highlights the importance of understanding consumer demand states and previous interests. Platforms can use these findings to customize product recommendations at an individual level and foster channel complementarity between recommendation and search. Second, the study emphasizes the need to consider channel spillovers. Optimizing recommender systems without considering the impact of channel interactions with search engines may lead to suboptimal results. Platforms should aim for a more coordinated integration of recommendation and search channels, as our conceptual framework illustrates how customers in different demand states can be influenced and served by both systems. Third, the findings offer insights into the potential impact of data regulations on e-commerce platforms. The study demonstrates that data regulations have a greater impact on the recommendation channel compared with the search channel. Platforms should find a balance between recommendation and search when facing stringent data regulations. They may strategically focus on the search channel to gather revealed customer interests, leading to a deeper integration of both channels.

Analyzing Colorectal Cancer at the Molecular Level through Next-generation Sequencing in Erbil City

Colorectal cancer (CRC) ranks as the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally. It is characterized as a genomic disorder marked by diverse genomic anomalies, including point mutations, genomic rearrangements, gene fusions, and alterations in chromosomal copy numbers. This research aims to identify previously undisclosed genetic variants associated with an increased risk of CRC by employing next-generation sequencing technology. Genomic DNA was extracted from blood specimens of five CRC patients. The sequencing data of the samples are utilized for variant identification. In addition, the Integrative Genomic Viewer software (IGV) is used to visualize the identified variants. Furthermore, various in silico tools, including Mutation Taster and Align GVGD, are used to predict the potential impact of mutations on structural features and protein function. Based on the findings of this research, 12 different genetic variations are detected among individuals with CRC. Inherited variations are located within the following genes: MSH6, MSH2, PTPRJ, PMS2, TP53, BRAF, APC, and PIK3CA.

Abstract B093: Investigating early events of ovarian cancer transcoelomic metastasis identifies the small Rho-GTPase RHOV as an essential gene for cellular detachment and aggregate formation

Abstract B093: Investigating early events of ovarian cancer transcoelomic metastasis identifies the small Rho-GTPase RHOV as an essential gene for cellular detachment and aggregate formation

Immune gene polymorphisms associated with poor response to platelet transfusion and recombinant factor VII administration in Glanzmann thrombasthenia.

Poor response to platelet and recombinant factor VII administration is a major problem in patients with Glanzmann Thrombasthenia (GT). The risk factors associated with poor response to treatment in these patients are unknown. Some genetic variations of cytokines may contribute to therapy resistance. We evaluated, for the first time, whether genetic polymorphisms on cytokine genes are related to poor treatment response in GT patients. We enrolled 30 patients with GT (15 resistant and 15 non-resistant) and 100 healthy controls. Gene polymorphisms of IL-10 and TNF-α were analysed using TaqMan Realtime PCR, and IL-1, IL-1R1 and IL-1RN were investigated with the RFLP method. In-silico analyses were performed to predict the potential impact of these polymorphisms. In the resistant group, all patients had a variant of the IL-10 gene at the -1082 position (rs1800896), with a GG genotype that was significantly more frequent than the non-resistant group. Analysis between healthy controls and GT patients revealed a probable correlation between rs3783550, rs3783553, rs3917356 and rs2234463 and GT. The In-silico study indicated that TNF-α rs1800629 and IL-10 rs1800896 polymorphisms result in different allelic expressions which may contribute to poor response to therapy. These findings suggest that polymorphisms in the IL-10 and IL-1 receptor antagonist genes may play a role in poor therapy response in GT patients. In addition, some polymorphisms in IL-1α, IL1-β, IL-1R1 and IL-R antagonists might be involved in the GT progression.

Analysis of the Potential Impact of the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism on China

Excessive carbon dioxide emissions are one of the major causes of global warming. To effectively respond to global climate change, all countries are making efforts and changes in this regard. As one of the largest carbon markets in the world, the European Union (EU), to better respond to the Paris Agreement, introduced the European Green Deal and the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). The mechanism requires that high-carbon products imported into or exported from the EU pay a corresponding amount of tax or refund the corresponding carbon emission allowances. The implementation of the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), which is essentially a carbon tariff, has also had a significant impact on the Chinese market. The more carbon-intensive steel industry has been the first to be hit, affecting the competitiveness of the industry's exports in the EU to a certain extent, while also increasing compliance costs for the development of other related industries. Chinese enterprises should strengthen innovation and research, and actively introduce low-carbon technologies. At the same time, China should continue to improve its own voice and accelerate the construction of the national carbon market.

(224) Women's Expectations and Representations of Breast Surgery Impact on their Sexual and Reproductive Life

Abstract Introduction Breast surgery is a difficult experience, whether for benign or malignant diseases. It concerns all women, regardless of their ethnic origin or socio-demographic condition. Due to the life-altering nature of this experience, patients' expectations before surgery can sometimes become unrealistic regarding their body image, sexuality, quality of life, and even fertility and reproduction. The diversity of these expectations is influenced by clinical, socio-demographic, and psychological factors. Objective The main objective of this study is to assess the factors responsible for the variability of female patients' expectations before breast surgery. The secondary objectives of this survey are to evaluate the representations of female patients of the potential impact of breast surgery on their body image, reproduction, and their sexuality. Methods We conducted a one-year cross-sectional study (2022). We included all female patients over the age of 18, with a breast disease, scheduled for elective breast surgery at our department, except those with a history of previous breast surgery. The data collection was by filling in a pre-established 9-item form including the validated translated versions of the standardized following scales: the Female Sexual Function Index (FSI), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and the Body-Esteem Scale for Adolescents and Adults (BESAA). Patients' expectations were divided into 4 sub-categories: • Expectation on body image: 3 Items, concerning patients' perceived ideas regarding their femininity, their partner's reaction to them, and their body. • Expectations about sexuality: 9 items concerning patients' perceived ideas regarding their sex life, desire, partner's desire, excitement, lubrication, orgasm, sexual satisfaction, frequency of sexual intercourse, and dyspareunia. • Expectations on quality of life: 4 items, concerning the patients' perceived ideas regarding their daily, professional, family, and marital life. • Expectations on fertility and menopause: 8 items concerning the patients' perceived ideas regarding their fertility, menstrual cycle, contraception, early menopause, menopausal symptoms, and hormone therapy. Patients' expectations are defined as unrealistic if the expectations of two of the 4 subcategories are unrealistic. Results We included 103 participants. Patients' general expectations were unrealistic in 30.1% of cases (n=31) focusing on sexuality (unrealistic in 30.1% of cases) and body image (unrealistic in 28.2% of cases). The risk factors for developing unrealistic expectations with regard to body image were a surgery delay greater than 2 months (p=0,004; OR=8,143), a radical breast surgery (mastectomy)(p=0,006; OR=11,972), good anatomical knowledge (p=0,012; OR=9,615), and pathological HADS-A levels (p=0,032; OR=8,693). A breast surgery delay that exceeds two months was an independent risk factor for unrealistic expectations regarding sexuality (p=0,019; OR=4,273). Concerning the independent risk factors related to general unrealistic expectations, work at the time of the surgery (p=0,049; OR=4,081), a radical breast surgery (p=0,045; OR=4,757), good anatomical knowledge (p=0,037; OR=5,12), and a pathological HADS-A level (p=0,04; OR=6,698) were statistically significant. No independent risk factors were associated with quality of life and reproduction. Conclusions Our results emphasize the importance of a good knowledge of the risk factors that can promote unrealistic sexual and body image expectations prior to breast surgery. It allows for targeting high-risk patients and implementing the necessary preventive interventions. Disclosure No.

A Study Examining Gender Bias of Female Students in Group Activity Teams

Gender bias is a pervasive issue, and group activities that are commonly seen in schools, workplaces, and other environments may be a form in which gender bias is manifested and exacerbated. Therefore, understanding the existence and impact of gender bias in group activities is of great significance for promoting gender equality and justice. This study adopted a mixed-methods research design, integrating both questionnaire surveys and in-depth interviews, and explored whether female students feel gender bias in group activity teams, in order to further understand the specific manifestations of gender bias in group activity teams and the real experiences of female students. The study found that after group activities, the average scores of Hostile Sexism and Benevolent Sexism among female students increased, indicating that the activities may exacerbate gender bias and strengthen gender stereotypes. In-depth interviews further validated this finding and provided more specific examples. The interviewed female students reported that they experienced gender bias such as interruptions to their speaking and dismissal of their opinions, as well as stereotypical expectations of gender roles. To minimize gender bias, they suggested countermeasures such as grouping by gender and increasing gender equality education and training. These findings reveal the potential impact of group activities on gender bias and provide important references for improving activity design and promoting gender equality.

Cities as Actors in the EU Policy Towards China

AbstractCity diplomacy between European Union (EU) and Chinese cities has become an increasingly significant layer of bilateral relations. The collaboration between cities is extensive and covers a wide range of thematic areas, with around half of European cities having partnerships with Chinese counterparts, according to a survey of 745 cities. However, despite the commonality of these partnerships, our research has highlighted a disconnect between subnational relations and the upper levels of European policy. Despite some previous initiatives, local actors have not been effectively engaged in EU policy‐making. The European Parliament has called for greater co‐ordination with substate actors, but this call has gone unanswered. This article unpacks the city level of EU relations with China, showing its scope, patterns of co‐operation and potential impact. The authors present theoretical and empirical arguments to support the notion that city diplomacy could have a much more significant impact on EU policy towards China.

Exploring cultural identity and perspectives of bicultural immigrants: a study on 1.5 and second generations of Koreans in Australia

ABSTRACT This study focused on the perceived cultural identity of Korean Australians, with the objective of explaining the factors that shape their perceptions and how they are perceived in both Australia and their country of origin, Korea. A total of 142 participants representing the 1.5 and second generations of Korean Australians completed an online survey. The survey results showed that this group of Korean Australians demonstrated a bicultural identity, which is widely regarded as the optimal cultural identity for second-generation immigrants in a multicultural society (Hamers, J., and M. Blanc. 1993. Bilinguality and Bilingualism. New York, NY: Cambridge University Press.). It was observed that self-rated language proficiency exhibited significant correlations with both the Korean and Australian cultural identities. The age at immigration (AI) was significantly correlated only with their cultural identity as Australian. Responses concerning Australians' views toward Koreans and the attitudes of Koreans in Korea toward themselves or Korean Australians exhibited varied themes including both positive and negative sentiments, and ambivalence. These findings not only uniquely contribute to the understanding of Korean Australians but also emphasise the broader relevance of such dynamics within immigrant communities, showcasing the study’s potential impact on a wider spectrum of socio-cultural contexts and diverse immigrant populations.

Revisiting the Modularity-Disease transmission Link: Uncovering the importance of intra-modular structure

Studies have shown that the internal structure of modules is hardly important for the spread of epidemics. However, most of these studies have assumed that intra-module connectivity and inter-module connectivity do not affect each other. In reality, changes in the internal structure of modules may affect inter-module links and thus change the modularity of the entire network. Therefore, we have developed a theoretical network model with adjustable modularity to investigate the impact of this situation on disease transmission. Our findings indicate that the intra-module structure plays a crucial role in disease outbreaks. Changes in intra-module structure lead to significant numerical changes in peak prevalence and duration of disease. This implies that the potential impact of changes in exposure patterns within modules should also be considered when investigating the exact impact of modular social networks on disease burden.

Combination of IL-33 with PD-1 blockade augment mILC2s-mediated anti-tumor immunity

BackgroundGroup 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) represent one of the main tissue-specific innate lymphoid cell populations, which are key drivers of cytokine secretion in their occupational niche. However, the precise involvement of ILC2s in cancer immunity and their potential impact on immunotherapeutic approaches remain poorly understood.MethodsThe proportion of ILC2s originating from various tissue sources were quantified through flow cytometry, along with the determination of CD4+ T cell and CD8+ T cell percentages. Flow cytometry was also employed to assess IFN-γ production and programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) expression in T cells. Immunohistochemistry was utilized to detect IL-33 expression in tumor tissues, while immunofluorescence was employed to confirm the infiltration of ILC2s in both murine and human tumor tissues.ResultsIn this study, we provide evidence that intra-tumoral ILC2s in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) exist in a quiescent state. However, the activation of intra-tumoral ILC2s is induced by IL-33 specifically in a natural ILC2s (nILC2, ST2+KLRG1−) phenotype. Considering the pivotal role of PD-1 in cancer immunotherapy and its immunoregulatory functions, we investigated the synergistic effects of IL-33 and anti-PD-1 and found that their combination enhances anti-tumor immunity and improves the efficacy of immunotherapy. Moreover, this combination leads to the upregulation of activated mature ILC2s (mILC2, ST2+KLRG1+) phenotype, thereby highlighting the activated ILC2s as a novel enhancer of the immunoregulatory properties of anti-PD-1.ConclusionsCollectively, these findings underscore the significance of ILC2s and their contribution to the anti-tumor response in the context of cancer immunotherapy. Consequently, the simultaneous targeting of ILC2s and T cells represents a potentially promising and widely applicable strategy for immunotherapeutic interventions.